Yarramalong Dingo Sanctuary

05/09/2026

Avoca Beach Theatre.. On The Fence..
Get tickets here

Don’t miss the Avoca premiere of On The Fence — a powerful new Australian documentary exploring the history of the country's most divisive animal: the dingo.

04/09/2026

Avoca Beach Theatre.. Great venue, awesome doco..

After more than five years of relentless filming, On The Fence is finally out in the world, and now we get to take it on the road!
Coming off two SOLD OUT screenings at ACMI for DingoFest on Sunday down in Melbourne, we’re very excited to announce our first run of NSW screenings this October.

SYDNEY — Monday 19 October
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne Screening + Q&A
🎟 TICKETS: https://www.orpheum.com.au/movie/on-the-fence-screening-and-live-qa

AVOCA BEACH — Tuesday 20 October
Avoca Beach Theatre Screening + Q&A
🎟 TICKETS: https://events.humanitix.com/on-the-fence-avoca-beach-theatre-premiere

SMITHS LAKE — Friday 23 October
Bungwahl Hall
Screening + Q&A
🎟 TICKETS: https://events.humanitix.com/on-the-fence-bungwahl-premiere-and-filmmaker-q-a

BLUE MOUNTAINS — Wednesday 21 October
United Cinemas The Edge, Katoomba
Screening + Q&A�🎟 TICKETS: https://events.humanitix.com/on-the-fence-blue-mountains-premiere

Sydney is going to be a little different to the other stops on the tour. We’re turning the night into a fundraiser to help get On The Fence into as many cinemas around Australia as we can. Alongside the screening and Q&A, we’ll have guest speakers, raffles, prints for sale and a few surprises on the night, with everything raised going straight back into taking the film on the road.

I’ve wanted from the beginning for this film to actually travel — not just have a couple of premieres in the major cities and disappear. We want to take it into communities around Australia, meet people, answer questions and have the conversations that the film was made to start. So this is the first proper leg of that journey.

If you’re anywhere near one of these screenings, come along. And if you’ve got friends or family around Sydney, the Central Coast, Smiths Lake or the Blue Mountains, please send this their way. Every share and every ticket genuinely helps us get the film to the next place.

And South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, we havent forgotten about you! We’ve got some very exciting screenings being locked in and will be announcing dates very soon. And if we’re not coming to your town yet, tell us where we should go next. Tag your local cinema, theatre or venue in the comments and let us know where you want to see On The Fence on the big screen. The more interest we can show in a town, the easier it is for us to make a screening happen!

NSW, see you in October 🐕

13/07/2026

Important information that sometimes needs resharing as newby “experts” enter the space.

-Liver & Pancreatic function of Dingoes, and Why They Require a Raw Diet-

Dingoes are very different from domestic dogs. You may already know some of their behavioural differences or their physiological differences. But did you know that dingoes are also very different from domestic dogs in their nutritional requirements? Indeed, dingoes are even unique from other wild canids when it comes to nutrition. For today, we're taking a look at these:
1) Liver function / Fat metabolism
2) Pancreatic Amylase / Pancreas function

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🐺 LIVER FUNCTION & FAT METABOLISM:
Domestic dogs require different quantities of fatty acids in their diet than dingoes do. Both domestic dogs and grey wolves convert saturated and monounsaturated fats into energy, their metabolism and liver processes fats efficiently. 🏃In a dog's or wolf's diet, fats are essential for the health of arteries, cell membranes, omega-6 to omega-3 balancing, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, thermoregulation and more.

🐾Dingoes on the other hand, have retained their primitive canid liver function and metabolism, which is adapted for the unique Australian climate and environment.🐾
Dingoes cannot efficiently metabolise saturated or monounsaturated fats, they require only very small quantities for optimal bodily functions.
Consuming the same quantities of fats as a domestic dog can cause increased fats in a dingo's liver, fatty liver disease, thyroid function issues, pancreatitis, immune system and mineral imbalances.

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🍖 PANCREATIC AMYLASE
Pancreatic amylase is a digestive enzyme for digesting carbohydrates. In humans, carbohydrate digestion begins with salivary amylase. Later, pancreatic amylase is released into the small intestine to digest carbs and begin the production of glucose.

🌏Whilst neither wolves, dogs or dingoes produce salivary amylase at all, they do have varying copies of the AMY2B gene (pancreatic amylase). Wolves and dingoes have 2 copies of this gene, while domestic dogs have between 5-20.
This means that these canids can digest small amounts of carbohydrates as a survival mechanism when meat is scarce.

🐺But what about Dingoes?
Dingoes, like wolves, lack adequate enough AMY2B gene coding to be able to safely handle starchy carbohydrates (grains, root vegetables -such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato- most processed foods).
The tropic dingo ecotype may possess more copies of the gene, which may explain why they are able to consume more fruits. There is insufficient data on the precise nutritional differences between the dingo ecotypes at present.

Dingoes fed high fat, high carb diets have around half the life expectancy of a dingo fed a species-appropriate diet. They may also be more prone to bouts of pancreatitis and liver complications.

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🏥 A MAJOR CONCERN 🏥
A dingo fed a domestic dog's diet will show increased lipase levels in their blood results. Whilst we are so grateful to all the studying and work veterinarians do, unfortunately vets receive little nutritional training (and it is not dingo specific).
Low-protein diets are one of the most frequent recommendations to dingoes who are showing increased fats in their liver and/or pancreatitis.

🍚The problem with low-protein dry food diets: They're extremely high-carb. And as you've just learned, dingoes cannot digest starchy carbs.

Sadly, it is very common to hear of dingoes with increased fats being put on a low-protein dry diet, only to end up with pancreatic issues as they cannot digest these carb-laden foods.

The protein is not the main problem in these cases. The problem is a combination of the poor quality of the proteins in a processed diet, along with the high fat content and these fats having become rancid or oxidised. Combine this with the dingo's unique digestive system and nutrient requirements... and you can hopefully understand why issues occur, despite the best of intentions.

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🐺🍖 SPECIES-APPROPRIATE DIETS FOR DINGOES:
We advocate and encourage a properly balanced raw diet of lean proteins, digestible bones and organ meats. Following the Prey Model Raw (PMR) ratios of 80/10/10:
80% muscle meats, 10% digestible bones, 5% liver, 5% other organs meats.
How much to feed? Around 2-3% of your dingo's ideal adult weight is a good starting point, you can increase or decrease the amount fed as you observe your dingo.
Variety and rotation are important in a raw diet. Some of the best lean proteins to feed your dingo include: Kangaroo, Rabbit, Venison, Camel, Goat and Turkey. With Beef and Chicken in moderation. Avoid pork and lamb.

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Transition Guide for Switching Your Dingoes to a Raw Diet: https://www.facebook.com/canineascension/photos/a.1942786069313524.1073741836.1796928007232665/1942795499312581/?type=3&theater

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Raw-Feeding For Dingo Puppies: https://www.facebook.com/canineascension/photos/a.1942786069313524.1073741836.1796928007232665/1947108542214610/?type=3&theater

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References:
-AMY2B genome sequencing study: http://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004016

- https://www.nature.com/articles/hdy201648

Behavioural Ecology of Inland Dingoes: Hunting & Feeding, diet: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240505670_The_behavioural_ecology_of_dingoes_in_north-western_Australia_III_Hunting_and_Feeding_behaviour_and_diet

-Books:
The Dingo Debate, by Bradley Smith.
Dingo, by Brad Purcell.

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© Canine Ascension

02/03/2026

Many thanks to Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd. Imo the most important message of the year, every year.

Watching Over the Future: Letting Dingo Pups Remain in the Bush.

With the official start of breeding season, the dingoes here have significantly increased their howling. As the shorter days of autumn unfold, even though we don’t breed, these remarkable animals are responding to seasonal cues.

The heightened howling from established family groups during this time serves as a territorial signal to rival groups or nearby intruders along with increased scent marking they are effectively marking their boundaries. This increase in vocalisation and scent marking, not only establishes strong territorial lines but also ensures a successful breeding season and a safe denning area.

Off spring of family from previous year/years would have already left the group to find a mate and territory of their own with other members staying behind to help raise their new young siblings which will be born between June and August.

♦️Important awareness about the future dingo pups

I'm taking this opportunity to start raising awareness as dingo puppy season approaches. If you come across puppies in the bush, it's important to recognise that they are likely dingo pups rather than abandoned domestic pets. Each year, well-meaning individuals mistakenly capture these puppies, believing they have been abandoned. Once a dingo pup has been removed from the wild it is illegal to release them back to the wild.

It's crucial not to take pups from the bush. The parent dingoes are often nearby, and you may be unaware of their presence, or they could be out hunting. It's common for dingo pups to be left unattended near their den, don’t intervene instead get advice before removing them.

If you suspect that the dingo parents have been killed or have proof of their demise, it's crucial to monitor the area for any remaining family members. Setting up camera traps can be an effective way to assess the situation or setting up sand traps to observe for adult foot prints. If any non breeding adult group members are present (older siblings) male or female will step in to raise the pups. It's not uncommon for these other members to remain elusive, sometimes not appearing on camera traps footage for weeks.

Being patient and avoiding hasty decisions about bringing pups in from the bush is essential. Non-breeding members of the group have been known to successfully raise pups into fully functional dingoes, ensuring their survival and integration into the wild.

Before removing any pups from the bush, please seek advice, unless they are in extremely poor condition, which may indicate they have been orphaned. It's vital to support our future apex predators, as they play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem that benefits us all.

For guidance and advice please message us. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the survival of these future apex predators in the wild.

Let them be wild

Image Bluey - HDR

09/02/2026

Thanks to Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd

Dingo Breeding Season : Generally March to June

A Must-Read on Coexisting with Dingoes in the remote desert communities of WA (or any small township)

I've noticed a lot of posts lately raising fears about living alongside dingoes, especially in the remote Pilbara communities.

These towns are very transient with new residents moving in for work all year round. It's crucial to approach any new community with respect and understanding, not just for the people but for the local wildlife as well.

The vast desert of WA is dingo territory, where these apex predators have roamed for thousands of years, long before any towns were established. A small town in these desert regions is like a drop in the ocean, extremely remote and surrounded by dingo habitat.

Living in these towns means embracing and respecting the natural world around you and understanding the behaviour of dingoes.

With more dingo sightings during this time, it's crucial to address the misinformation circulating on social media. Many posts mislead and spread unnecessary fear about dingoes.

🔺THE DINGO IS NOT STALKING YOU

The dingo isn't stalking you; he's simply assessing who's in his territory. During this time of year, dingoes are searching for mates and identifying other presences in their area. By picking up your scent from where you've walked, he's gathering information.

🔺Dingoes are sentient, close knit family groups vital to our ecosystems. Let's focus on understanding and coexisting safely with these resilient wild neighbours.

🔺Did you know dingoes often mate for life and are devoted parents? They live as individuals, in pairs, or in family groups.

🔺Dingoes don't become more aggressive during this season. Like any protective parent, they safeguard their family and territory.

🔺You might notice them more as they vocalize to claim their territory and partners. This is completely natural and not a cause for concern.

🔺Dingoes are naturally shy and tend to avoid people. Boldness usually stems from habituation due to people feeding them, the presence of dogs, or defending their dens.

🔺They primarily feed on natural prey like rodents, rabbits, insects, and lizards, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats,possum, insects, fish, eggs, berries, and various fruits. However, in areas where they live near humans, they’ve been known to consume food scraps, they might be drawn to garbage or pet food. Cats and small dogs could be seen as prey, while larger dogs may be perceived as threats.

🔺Supervise pets, especially at dawn and dusk, and ensure they are in secure yards or enclosures. Keep them on a lead when walking. By being proactive and practicing responsible pet ownership, we can minimise conflicts with dingoes and other wildlife!

🔺Dingoes usually steer clear of humans, but they can become bold in urban areas if they find food or are fed by people. Hazing helps them regain their natural wariness.

🔺Maintain Eye Contact. Pick up small dogs and keep larger ones leashed. Ensure there's an escape route for the dingo, entrapment can cause them to become fearful.

🔺Exaggerate Your Presence: Make yourself look bigger to assert dominance.

🔺Be Loud: Yell to alert the dingo and those nearby. Noise discourages their approach.

🔺Repeat and Reinforce: Consistent hazing helps dingoes relearn to avoid humans.

🔺Educate Others: Teaching effective hazing techniques ensures dingoes have negative experiences, encouraging them to steer clear of people.

🚫 Important Reminders

Don't Encourage the Dingo: Remember, he’s not a cute dog looking for a friend. He’s not hungry, dingoes are naturally lean and they don’t need your companionship.

Avoid Feeding: Feeding encourages dependency and bold behavior.

No Photos; Avoid taking photos/videos or interacting in any way, these behaviours cause dingoes to lose their natural fear of people. Keep a respectful distance and discourage any engagement.

29/01/2026

26/01/2026

Thank you Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd

A Call for Respect and Understanding

In light of the tragic incident involving Piper on K’gari, we have chosen to refrain from social media discussions and the over publishing of media reporting out of respect for her and her family during this difficult time.

The hasty decision to cull the dingoes is not only outrageous but also unethical, particularly without respectful consultation with the Butchella People, the traditional custodians of the land. It’s crucial to recognise the cultural significance of these animals and the need for dialogue before taking such drastic actions. Furthermore, culling dingoes disrupts the future generations of a population that is already compromised, undermining the ecological balance they help maintain. The dingoes that have been culled have paid a high price, all while multi-millions of tourism dollars take priority over the well-being of these animals.

Dingoes are often demonised and stripped of their rightful status as top-order predators, despite their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. This imbalance in perception becomes stark when considering the recent tragic incident involving a young boy who fatally died from a shark attack, alongside at least four serious, non-fatal attacks occurring in New South Wales within a 48-hour period around January 18–20, 2026. The sharks were not culled because scientific evidence showed that killing sharks does not effectively improve public safety and can harm the ecosystem. Why was this not taken into consideration for the “protected dingoes” that were culled on K’gari ? In this context, despite public outcry, the government chose not to cull the sharks. Why, then, are dingoes treated so differently?

As we enter the natural habitats of wildlife, it is essential to acknowledge and respect their territories and behaviours. Engaging in recreational activities in these areas carries inherent risks. Much like entering any wildlife territory, we must also be mindful of the potential dangers posed by crocodiles, venomous snakes and spiders, sharks, blue ringed octopus, box jelly fish, the list goes on. Each of these encounters comes with risks. We must approach wildlife habitats with caution and awareness especially at this time of year in the lead-up to breeding season when dingoes are more vigilant in establishing and protecting their territories.

As we reflect on this heartbreaking loss, let us honour Piper's memory by advocating for a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. We must also remember the dingoes who were culled without consideration for their role in the ecosystem and the cultural significance they hold.

In times of high risk, particularly during the lead up to breeding season, the breeding and whelping seasons of dingoes, the island should be closed to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. This raises an important question: why are similar measures not taken when beaches are closed due to shark or crocodile attacks? As of late January 2026, numerous beaches across New South Wales, including all 21 Northern Beaches in Sydney, were closed following an "unprecedented" string of four shark attacks in just 48 hours.

May Piper's spirit inspire us to foster compassion and respect for all wildlife, encouraging a dialogue that prioritises coexistence over fear. In remembering both Piper and the dingoes, we commit to safeguarding not just their legacies, but the precious ecosystems we all share. Let us carry their memories forward, striving for a future where harmony prevails in the natural world.

17/01/2026

16/01/2026

The race is on to recover SD cards inside the vast national park, and protect the surviving animals. Find out more.

16/01/2026